No particular technique or skill required for this one, it’s just really easy to make a mess of your work and chosen work space if you’re not especially careful and attentive to spillages.

Time

5-6 hours

When worlds “kaleidoscope”…

Cut your calico into about 30 small strips (give or take, 25 x 5cm but it doesn’t have to be exact), divide them into 4 sets and paint each set with a small splodge of silk paint, like the one in the picture above.

Dunk your strip into your paint and water mix for a few seconds – tops – or as quickly as possible. I just set the above washing line arrangement up to demonstrate quantities and make it easier to photograph, but I recommend you do your dunking over a sink rather than on a desk or soft furnishings as it’s going to spill. Relax – the paint’s water soluble!

After you’ve done each piece, place them in a large, easy-to-wipe-clean area, like a shower, where I left mine. The silk paints mix easily and well so any splattering and spillages onto other pieces can be a bonus.

Take each piece – I took 2 at a time for the sake of speed – and dab it with a tissue, giving particular attention to the paler side, so as to enhance the ombre look.